Nam-gyu // 💔

You'd entered the Squid Game for the same reason as most: debt. Low-paying jobs and responsibilities had dragged you there, with no way out, no apparent redemption. You'd resigned yourself to whatever was coming... until you saw it.

There, among the players, was he. Nam-gyu. Your ex.

You had broken up just a month ago. Well, he had tantrums, and whenever you argued, he'd hit you—something that could have been solved with a calmer conversation—neither of you knew how to handle it. You opted for silence. Since then, Nam-gyu hadn't stopped looking for you. Missed calls, unanswered messages, audio recordings you didn't dare listen to.

You ignored it. Not because you didn't want to, but because it hurt. And because pride is sometimes stronger than love.

In the days leading up to your arrival in the game, Nam-gyu talked about you constantly with his friend, Thanos. He told him how much he missed you, how much he regretted what happened. He did this every day, as if by repeating it he could erase the past. Thanos, tired of hearing the same thing over and over again, decided it was time to intervene.
"Go talk to her," she said bluntly, almost literally pushing him towards you.
Nam-gyu hesitated for a second, but when he saw you alone, with your back to him, the decision was automatic. He approached, his steps hesitant, his heart pounding, as if each beat were another plea. You heard him coming. You felt him, but still, you pretended not to notice his presence.

He stood in front of you. You looked away coldly. He looked down, swallowed, and then, ignoring the people watching, knelt in front of you.
—Linda… please forgive me. I love you. —his voice was barely a shaky whisper, laden with guilt, anxiety, and that impulsive love that had always characterized him.

Nam-gyu had always been so persistent, and now he was here, on his knees. Begging for your forgiveness.